Is your raw milk safe? Shocking bird flu revelation hits California!
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In the Golden State, where the sun shines bright and the produce is as fresh as it gets, a shadow has been cast over the seemingly idyllic world of natural food enthusiasts. A recent discovery has left many Californians questioning the safety of their choices.
Health officials have announced the detection of bird flu in a batch of raw milk sold in local stores. This news has sent ripples of concern through communities that prize raw milk for its perceived health benefits and natural qualities. Are you affected by this?
The virus was identified in a batch of cream top, whole raw milk from Raw Farm, LLC, prompting the company to issue a voluntary recall of the product with a “best by date” of November 27.
While no one has become sick or acquired the diseases from this batch of raw milk, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has urged the public to avoid consumption of the affected raw milk.
The agency reported, “Out of an abundance of caution, and due to the ongoing spread of bird flu in dairy cows, poultry, and sporadic human cases, consumers should not consume any of the affected raw milk.
Raw milk, unlike the majority of milk found on store shelves, has not undergone pasteurization—a process that heats milk to a high temperature to eliminate harmful pathogens.
While proponents of raw milk argue that it retains beneficial enzymes and nutrients lost during pasteurization, public health officials warn of the serious risks associated with its consumption.
Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, are particularly at risk.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health authorities have long advocated for the consumption of pasteurized milk and dairy products, citing the significant decrease in milk-borne illnesses since pasteurization became widespread in the early 1900s.
The CDPH has reported outbreaks linked to raw dairy products. According to the agency, “...Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, toxin producing E. coli, Brucella, Campylobacter, and many other bacteria have all been reported related to consuming raw dairy products.”
The debate over raw milk has seen prominent figures weigh in, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr, who has been selected by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
Kennedy has previously criticized the FDA's stance on raw milk as a regular consumer of it. Similarly, actress and wellness advocate Gwyneth Paltrow has publicly shared her preference for raw cream in her coffee, specifically from Raw Farm—the brand currently under scrutiny.
Source: The Skinny Confidential / Youtube
The bird flu virus was detected by the County of Santa Clara Public Health Laboratory in a sample of raw milk purchased from a retail store. This testing is part of a broader consumer protection effort and was confirmed by the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System.
Subsequent testing at Raw Farm LLC's facilities by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) showed no presence of the virus, and the CDFA has committed to bi-weekly testing for bird flu at raw milk banks.
Raw Farm, based in Fresno County, has responded to the situation by recalling the affected lot and stating that all their own tests, as well as official tests by the CDFA, have returned negative results for the virus. They also reported no illnesses connected to their products.
The CDPH has warned that consuming or inhaling raw milk containing the bird flu virus could lead to illness, and that contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth after handling the product may also pose a risk of infection.
This recall coincides with 29 confirmed human cases of bird flu in California since early October, primarily linked to cows. While no person-to-person transmission has been detected in the state or the U.S., the situation underscores the importance of vigilance when it comes to foodborne illnesses.
Have you been affected by the recall? How do you ensure the dairy products you consume are safe? Share your insights in the comments below!
Health officials have announced the detection of bird flu in a batch of raw milk sold in local stores. This news has sent ripples of concern through communities that prize raw milk for its perceived health benefits and natural qualities. Are you affected by this?
The virus was identified in a batch of cream top, whole raw milk from Raw Farm, LLC, prompting the company to issue a voluntary recall of the product with a “best by date” of November 27.
While no one has become sick or acquired the diseases from this batch of raw milk, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has urged the public to avoid consumption of the affected raw milk.
The agency reported, “Out of an abundance of caution, and due to the ongoing spread of bird flu in dairy cows, poultry, and sporadic human cases, consumers should not consume any of the affected raw milk.
Bird flu has been detected in a batch of raw milk from Raw Farm, LLC sold in California, prompting a voluntary recall of the product. Image source: Pexels.
Raw milk, unlike the majority of milk found on store shelves, has not undergone pasteurization—a process that heats milk to a high temperature to eliminate harmful pathogens.
While proponents of raw milk argue that it retains beneficial enzymes and nutrients lost during pasteurization, public health officials warn of the serious risks associated with its consumption.
Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, are particularly at risk.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health authorities have long advocated for the consumption of pasteurized milk and dairy products, citing the significant decrease in milk-borne illnesses since pasteurization became widespread in the early 1900s.
The CDPH has reported outbreaks linked to raw dairy products. According to the agency, “...Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, toxin producing E. coli, Brucella, Campylobacter, and many other bacteria have all been reported related to consuming raw dairy products.”
The debate over raw milk has seen prominent figures weigh in, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr, who has been selected by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
Kennedy has previously criticized the FDA's stance on raw milk as a regular consumer of it. Similarly, actress and wellness advocate Gwyneth Paltrow has publicly shared her preference for raw cream in her coffee, specifically from Raw Farm—the brand currently under scrutiny.
Source: The Skinny Confidential / Youtube
The bird flu virus was detected by the County of Santa Clara Public Health Laboratory in a sample of raw milk purchased from a retail store. This testing is part of a broader consumer protection effort and was confirmed by the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System.
Subsequent testing at Raw Farm LLC's facilities by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) showed no presence of the virus, and the CDFA has committed to bi-weekly testing for bird flu at raw milk banks.
Raw Farm, based in Fresno County, has responded to the situation by recalling the affected lot and stating that all their own tests, as well as official tests by the CDFA, have returned negative results for the virus. They also reported no illnesses connected to their products.
The CDPH has warned that consuming or inhaling raw milk containing the bird flu virus could lead to illness, and that contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth after handling the product may also pose a risk of infection.
This recall coincides with 29 confirmed human cases of bird flu in California since early October, primarily linked to cows. While no person-to-person transmission has been detected in the state or the U.S., the situation underscores the importance of vigilance when it comes to foodborne illnesses.
Have you been affected by the recall? How do you ensure the dairy products you consume are safe? Share your insights in the comments below!
